As I sat at the board room table, waiting my turn to report the progress of my department, I could hardly wait to claim the prize. The favor of the board, the respect of my peers, and a nice bonus to sustain my indulgent lifestyle were everything to me and what, from my perspective, defined me.
I worked tirelessly in my pursuit of success, sacrificing time with my family, investing only in a few symbiotic acquaintances that I called friends. I had given my all to my career, systematically traversing the rungs of the corporate ladder. I was successful in business – but at what cost?
I later wondered what my report might be when I stand before Jesus. Did I come in over budget, giving generously of my income back to God? Did I provide spiritual leadership and set an example for my family? Did I honor all the strategic guidelines of the Ten Commandments? Did I set and maintain a quantifiable quota on serving and loving others? Was I a success – for Jesus?
As I continued to reflect on my life, I was struck by the reality that I had accomplished very little. My investments of sweat and treasure had all been short-term and I had nothing much that would follow me into eternity. I wasted precious time, struggling in vain, chasing an imperfect, unsustainable, and temporary dream.
Jesus teaches us that our earthly accomplishments will not support us in eternity. There is no amount of money that can buy a single minute of time with God. No amount of status, prestige, or connectedness will get us on God’s calendar.
Only through the perfect salvation of Jesus, will we one day be able to commune with God and be truly, completely, and permanently successful.
Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
Joshua 1:8 (NIV)
Prayer: God, I want to be successful in eternity. I know works, alone, will not be enough. Help me to focus my efforts with wisdom and permanence toward a closer walk with Jesus. In Jesus’ name. Amen